Freshers Week advice from Grampian Police

Published:09:08Thursday 06 September 2012

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Grampian Police are offering advice to students who will be starting at colleges and universities in Aberdeen over the next few weeks.

Sergeant Kenny McGeough and his team, from the city centre policing team, will be at Hillhead Halls of Residence, Aberdeen University, on Saturday and Sunday, September 15 and 16, to meet students at Freshers Week induction sessions.

The team will also be providing support and assistance to 200 student volunteers from both Robert Gordon University and Aberdeen University who will accompany the new students on trips into Aberdeen city throughout Freshers Week.

Sergeant McGeough said: “Firstly, we want to extend a warm welcome to all new students who have chosen to study in Aberdeen.

“A lot of these students won’t be from Aberdeen originally and a number of these could be in the UK for the first time.

“Some students may not know their way about and they could become victims of crime simply from lack of experience of the city.

“It is important that students get home safely and there will be buses specially organised for Freshers Week to transport students home.

“Aberdeen city centre is a safe place to socialise, however, I would always advise against walking home alone, through unlit areas, or streets you are not familiar with.

“Freshers Week can be a great time to get to know your new friends and enjoy the party atmosphere in the city centre. We want people to enjoy being part of that and make the most of their university experience, but we also hope people will behave responsibly throughout the week.

“There is a clear link between drinking to excess and the likelihood of becoming a victim or perpetrator of crime and we want people to bear this in mind.”

He continued: “I want students to understand that the police and university volunteers are there to support their enjoyment of the city centre and to promote their personal safety.

“We will be present to ensure that their night out is safe and doesn’t end with someone becoming the victim of crime or coming to the negative attention of the Police.

“We obviously look for students to cooperate with this and are working closely with universities and colleges to make sure the message about personal awareness and safety gets across.”

Students are encouraged to attend the induction days at Hillhead Halls of Residence on both days where Sergeant McGeough’s team will be delighted to offer them personal safety advice, provide information about keeping their property safe while they are at university, or chat about any other concerns they may have.